Michael Del Zotto

History

Del Zotto was the second overall pick in the 2006 OHL Priority Draft, behind Steven Stamkos. Both had played with the powerhouse Markam Waxers Minor Midget AAA team, where Del Zotto had posted 120 points (30 goals, 90 assists) during the 2005-06 midget season.

2006-07: In the fall of 2006, the highly-touted defenseman joined an already very talented OHL Oshawa Generals. In his first season, Del Zotto recorded 57 points in 64 regular season games, including eight power play tallies. He was also named to the 2007 OHL All-Star Game, the first ever 16-year-old to receive that honor.

2007-08: With almost a point a game this past season (63 points in 64 games), Del Zotto was third in overall points among OHL defenseman. He spent much more time on the penalty kill, and was able to score 5 shorties during the 2007-08 season. Most importantly, Del Zotto tightened up his defensive play, and had a positive plus/minus rating for the first time in his junior career.

Talent Analysis

Excellent offensive instincts, as well as exceptional skating and passing skills, Del Zotto plays with an edge to his game. A character player, with some defensive issues, there were questions about Del Zotto's conditioning in the past. However, he has changed his conditioning regimen this season and is developing better gap control in his own zone.